AKRON STEM High School English Teacher - Grade 9 (re-posting)

• Job Code: 006
• Time Schedule: 380 (190 Days)
• Extended Time: A supplemental contract may be issued for two weeks of extended time, Job Code 007s. Five additional days for professional development (extended time/workshop stipend) will be scheduled during the summer if needed
• Posting Date: 06/28/2012
• Closing Date: 07/12/2012

Position Description:

School Description:  This Akron STEM High School, grades 9-12, is a partnership among the Akron Public Schools, the City of Akron, the University of Akron, Invent Now, Greater Akron Chamber and Akron Tomorrow.  The STEM High School will provide learning experiences for students that inspire creativity, foster inventive and critical thinking, cultivate leadership and problem solving skills, and promote wellness and citizenship through science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The school is a professional development site for The University of Akron College of Education, undergraduate and graduate programs.  Partners’ staff members will have ongoing presence in the classrooms and building.  Size and Scope:  The Akron STEM High School…Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Learning will have grade 9 for school year 2012-2013. When fully implemented, the school will have approximately 450 students, grades 9-12.

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

• Assist all students to meet or exceed 21^st century knowledge and skills, including state academic achievement standards;

• Articulate what students should know and be able to do, while working to help students achieve;
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects to communicate these objectives to students;
• Plan and deliver learning experiences that advance the learning of each individual student;  show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor;
• Design authentic learning experiences for students to learn core knowledge, 21^st century skills and literacies, through, but not limited to, collaboration, problem–based learning and inquiry;
• Partner with business and community organizations to create authentic learning experiences;
• Organize and plan for learning based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals;

• Assist in the planning for intervention and remediation in the areas of math, science and literacy for all students who have not mastered the content standards and implement appropriately;
• Develop and implement differentiated instructional strategies for each student’s academic growth;
• Use technology to develop student content knowledge and skills so students know how to learn, think critically, solve problems, use information, communicate, innovate, create and collaborate;
• Use technology as an instructional and management tool;
• Use continuous, authentic and appropriate assessment and evaluation measures that are evidence-based and use them to improve instruction and student learning and for feedback, including progress reports.

Environment for Learning

• Create a classroom environment that incorporates Partners’ staff members as an ongoing presence and

 is conducive to learning, fosters engagement, self-motivation, student self-direction and positive social interaction;

• Provide learning opportunities that support the intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of the students;

• Serve as a student advisor in the student advisory program;
• Work with students on service learning projects in advisory groups;
• Work closely with students and parents as partners to guide students through school and future education and career choices.

Professional Development

• Contribute to and participate in ongoing professional development, including working with colleagues in a professional learning community model;
• Maintain and improve professional competence;
• Use evidence-based and best practices to inform instruction and to work with colleagues;
• Work collaboratively to improve instruction and learning while sharing the responsibility for outcomes with school community and Partners.

Communications

• Use a variety of communication methods and technologies to interact  with students, parents and staff, and Partners;
• Contribute and participate in public presentations.

Policies and Procedures

• Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations;
• Assist the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct;
• Develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required; and
• Reports to and is supervised by the Akron STEM High School Principal.

Required:

• A current Full-time Akron Public Schools employee;
• To teach English, applicant must have valid 4-9 licensure or 7-12 certification/licensure in the state of Ohio;

(A current copy of license must be included with the application.)

• A minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in teaching in a content area;
• Work in a student advisory role as teacher;
• Participate in staff and curricular development;
• Use technology for teaching and learning in the classroom;
• Use data to make decisions regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment ;
• Be flexible and self-directed;
• Work with students in a non-traditional academic program, using authentic instruction, e.g., problem-based learning, project-based learning, inquiry, etc.;
• Interact in the school with Partners and community to enhance student learning; and
• Work in teams and participate in professional learning communities.

Desired:

• Masters Degree and/or evidence of comparable ongoing certified professional development;
• Experience in an urban setting and with various social, cultural, economic student population;        
• Ability to communicate effectively with administrators, staff, parents, students and community;
• Willingness and ability to plan and develop new educational initiatives; and
• Commitment to use best practices and research-based curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Salary: TBD
Contact Person: Larry Johnson, Jr., Principal of Akron STEM High School, 330-761-1604
How to Apply: Application is made by submitting a letter of interest and resume to Kathy McVey, Executive Director, Human Resources, 70 N. Broadway, Akron, Ohio 44308 or an e-mail to Lonnie Evans at levans@akron.k12.oh.us which must be received on or before 5:00 p.m., July 12, 2012. Letters of interest and resumes are to contain a statement of the applicant’s education and experience, and names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals from whom confidential, professional references may be secured. The Superintendent reserves the right to either keep the position open until suitable applicants are found or to cancel and repost the position with such changes as may be deemed appropriate.